Method and apparatus for inhibiting formation of and/or removing ice from aircraft components

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are generally described that inhibit debris (such as ice) accretions and/or remove debris (such as ice) accretions from the exterior surface of an aircraft. In some embodiments, the invention is a system for an aircraft comprising: a component of the aircraft having a surface; a plurality of piezo-kinetic actuators each positioned proximate to a portion of the surface; and a control unit coupled to the plurality of actuators, the control unit configured to actuate one or more of the actuators at one or more frequencies between about 1 Hz and about 1 kHz; wherein the actuators are each configured to introduce a displacement of the surface in three dimensions to inhibit a formation of ice on at least the portion of the surface and to break up existing ice formations on at least the portion of the surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to de-icing systems. Morespecifically, the invention relates to de-icing systems for use on theouter surface of an aircraft flight surface.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Atmospheric icing occurs when water droplets in the atmosphere freeze onobjects they contact. Atmospheric icing can lead to the buildup of iceon the exterior surfaces of an aircraft can cause significant changes inthe aerodynamics of various flight surfaces. Such changes may enhancesafety risks by altering airflow and increasing drag over the aircraft'slift and flight control surfaces.

Ice protection systems are commonly employed to deal with the problemsof aircraft icing. Traditionally, de-icing systems rely on chemical orthermal means to prevent and/or remove ice formation/s. Additionally,some conventional de-icing systems create high-frequency (ultrasonic)transverse shear stress for delaminating ice layers on an isotropicstructure. One such teaching is described in a publication by Jose L.Palacios, Edward C. Smith and Joseph L. Rose of Pennsylvania StateUniversity, entitled Investigation of an Ultrasonic Ice ProtectionSystem for Helicopter Rotor Blades, (hereinafter “Palacios et al.”);copyright 2008 by the American Helicopter Society International, Inc.,which is incorporated herein it its entirety. For example, Palacios etal. discloses the use of ultrasonic 28.5 kHz radial resonance diskactuators for inducing ultrasonic transverse shear stress fordelaminating ice layers formed on a helicopter rotor blade.

Another method and apparatus for removing debris from a windshield orair foil is taught by U.S. Patent Application No. 2009/0120471 and U.S.Pat. Nos. 7,459,831 and 7,084,553, to Ludwiczak, all of which areincorporated herein by reference. Particularly, U.S. Application No.2009/0120471 entitled Vibrating Debris Remover, discloses a device forattachment along the edge of a material, such as a car windshield orairfoil (such as an aircraft wing), including a vibration subunit thatproduces vibrating mechanical energy to remove solid debris from thesurface of the material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a system for an aircraft comprises: a component ofthe aircraft having a surface; a plurality of actuators each positionedproximate to a portion of the surface; and a control unit coupled to theplurality of actuators, the control unit configured to drive one or moreof the plurality of actuators at one or more frequencies between about 1Hz and about 1 kHz; wherein the plurality of actuators are eachconfigured to introduce a displacement of the surface in threedimensions to inhibit a formation of ice on at least the portion of thesurface and/or to break up existing ice formations on at least theportion of the surface.

In another embodiment, a method for use with an aircraft comprises:driving a plurality of actuators each positioned proximate to a portionof a surface of a component of the aircraft; and driving one or more ofthe plurality of actuators at one or more frequencies between about 1 Hzand about 1 kHz such that each of the plurality of actuators introduce adisplacement of the surface in three dimensions to inhibit a formationof ice on at least the portion of the surface and/or to break upexisting formations of the ice on at least the portion of the surface.

In another embodiment, a method for use in an aircraft comprises:determining that a condition is present, the condition indicatingpotential ice formation on a surface of an aircraft; driving a pluralityof actuators in response to the determining step, the plurality ofactuators proximate to a surface of the aircraft; transferring energyfrom the plurality of actuators to the surface to inhibit a formation ofice on at least a portion of the surface; determining that the conditionis no longer present; and discontinuing the driving the plurality ofactuators and the transferring the energy steps.

In another embodiment, a method for use in inhibiting ice formation onan aircraft, comprises: selectively driving a plurality of actuators intime in a sequence relative to each other, the plurality of actuatorsproximate to a surface of the aircraft and arranged in a patternextending across at least a portion of the surface; transferring energyfrom the plurality of actuators to the surface to inhibit a formation ofice on at least a portion of the surface and to break up existingformations of the ice on the at least the portion of the surface.

In another embodiment, a method for use in inhibiting ice formation onan aircraft, comprises: driving a plurality of actuators at each of aplurality of predetermined frequencies within a predetermined timeperiod, the plurality of actuators proximate to a surface of theaircraft; transferring energy from the plurality of actuators to thesurface to inhibit a formation of ice on at least a portion of thesurface and to break up existing formation of the ice on the at leastthe portion of the surface.

In yet another embodiment, a method for use with an ice inhibitingsystem for an aircraft comprises: identifying a host material and ashape of a surface of an aircraft, the surface to be exposed duringflight of the aircraft; modeling the host material and the shape todetermine resonant frequencies of the shape; coupling a plurality ofactuators in proximity to at least a portion of the shape; driving theplurality of actuators at at least the resonant frequencies; measuringan impedance of the plurality of actuators as a function of frequency;selecting, based on the measuring, a plurality of resonant frequenciesfor use in driving the plurality of actuators during flight of theaircraft in order to inhibit a formation of ice on at least a portion ofthe surface and to break up existing formation of the ice on the atleast the portion of the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of severalembodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the followingmore particular description thereof, presented in conjunction with thefollowing drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram depicting a de-icing system comprising acontrol system for coordinating actuation of one or more actuators inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart depicting a method for designing a component of anaircraft for use in removing existing ice and/or inhibiting theformation of ice on the component in accordance with an embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting a method for inhibiting and/or removingice from a component of an aircraft in accordance with yet anotherembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a component of an aircraft, shown with aplurality of actuators disposed on the inner surface in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a component of an aircraft with aplurality of actuators disposed on an inner surface in accordance withsome embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a component of an aircraft with aplurality of actuators disposed on the inner surface in accordance withan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is yet another perspective view of a component of an aircraftwith a plurality of actuators disposed on the inner surface inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a graph of impedance vs. frequency that depicts multipleresonant frequencies of a component of an aircraft according to someembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a side profile view of a component cross section, inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an actuator strip in accordance withan embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a graph depicting actuator power consumption with respect tofrequency, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12 depicts a plurality of actuator devices grouped into zones, inaccordance with some embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 13 is a flowchart depicting a method for inhibiting and/or removingice from a component of an aircraft in accordance with other embodimentsof the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding componentsthroughout the several views of the drawings. Skilled artisans willappreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicityand clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements to help to improve understanding of variousembodiments of the invention. Also, common but well-understood elementsthat are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment areoften not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view ofthese various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but ismade merely for the purpose of describing the general principles ofexemplary embodiments. The scope of the invention should be determinedwith reference to the claims.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a system 100 is shown for use in removingand/or inhibiting the accretion of ice on an aircraft component surface,according to some embodiments of the invention. Specifically, the system100 comprises a control unit 102, wherein the control unit 102 furthercomprises: a microcontroller 104, a wave generator 106, an amplifier 108and a power source 110. The system 100 further comprises a coupling 112,actuators 114, a component 120 and a sensor 122. One of skill in the artwould understand that, depending on the embodiment, the system 100 couldcomprise additional or fewer actuators than are depicted in FIG. 1.Additionally, the wave generator 106 may comprise one or more wavegenerators; similarly, the amplifier 108 may comprise one or moreamplifier circuits and the sensor 122 may comprise one or more sensingdevices.

In the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 102 is configured suchthat the microcontroller 104 is coupled to the wave generator 106; thewave generator 106 being coupled to the amplifier 108 and wherein thepower source 110 is further coupled to the amplifier 108. In someembodiments, the control unit 102 is coupled to the coupling 112 whereinthe coupling 112 is further coupled to each of the actuators 114. Insome embodiments, each of the actuators 114 will be further coupled tothe sensor 122, wherein the sensor 122 is also coupled to themicrocontroller 104 of the control unit 102. In the illustratedembodiment, the one or more actuator/s 114 are mechanically disposed on(or proximate to) the component 120. For example, in some embodimentsthe one or more actuator/s 114 are each positioned on or proximate tothe component 120 in a manner corresponding to a curvature of thesurface of the component 120. In some embodiments, the one or moreactuator/s 114 can be embedded within the component 120. For example,the one or more actuator/s 114 may be embedded within multiple layers ofa composite material forming the component 120.

The coupling 112 may comprise essentially any mechanism by whichelectrical signaling may be transmitted from the control unit 102 to oneor more of a plurality of the actuators 114. For example, the coupling112 may comprise, but is not limited to: wires, switches or electricalconnectors etc. In some embodiments, communication between the controlunit 102 and the coupling 112 and/or communication between the coupling112 and the one or more actuator/s 114, may be achieved using a wirelesssignal. Additionally, in some embodiments, the control unit 102 will bedesigned so as to minimize the mass of the control unit 102.

In some embodiments, the control unit 102 will be designed so as tominimize the control unit 102 weight or mass with respect to the sizeand/or output of a power supply. For example, the control unit 102 maybe designed to minimize the ratio of the control unit mass to the massof power source 110. By way of example, the control unit 102 may bedesigned such that the control unit 102 is configured to provide powerand the one or more of the plurality of actuators are configured tooperate at a power to actuator-area ratio of no more than about 0.1watts per square centimeter. In some embodiment, the total system powerdoes not to exceed 2 kW per aircraft. In some embodiments, the power toactuator-area ratio will be approximately 0.03 watts per squarecentimeter. In some embodiments, the control unit 102 will weigh lessthan an absolute amount; by way of example, the control unit 102 may beconstructed so as to not exceed a weight of 25 pounds. Furthermore, insome embodiments the control unit may be configured so as to not exceeda specific weight to power output ratio. For example, in someembodiments the control unit 102 may be configured to have a weight topower output ratio of less than 0.0125 lbs per watt. In someembodiments, the control unit 102 may be configured to have a weight topower output ratio of less than 0.01 lbs per watt. In some embodimentsthe control unit 102 may be configured to have a weight to power outputratio of less than 0.005 lbs per watt.

In some embodiments, each of the one or more actuator/s 114 may compriseone or more electrically driven spherical piezo-kinetic actuators.According to some embodiments the one or more actuator/s 114 may beflexible able to substantially conform to the curvature of a surface(e.g., a curvature of the component 120).

According to some embodiments, the component 120 may comprise anisotropic or composite material such as an alloy, carbon fiber,graphite, a polymer, a thermoplastic or a fiberglass, etc. For example,in some embodiments, the component 120 may comprise, but is not limitedto, one or more aircraft components and/or flight surfaces such as anaircraft wing, an aircraft tail, an airfoil, an aircraft rudder, anaircraft control surface (such as a flap or elevator), a wind turbineblade, an engine intake surface, or a helicopter rotor blade, etc. Byway of example, the one or more actuator/s 114 may be embedded withinone or more layers of a composite material forming an aircraftcomponent. For example, the one or more actuator/s 114 may be disposedproximate to (or embedded within) a composite leading edge of anaircraft component (such as an airplane wing or unmanned aerial vehicleairfoil or wing) with respect to a direction of flight of the aircraft.

In practice, the system 100 functions to inhibit and/or prevent thedeposit of ice and/or functions to remove existing ice, from thecomponent 120, by vibration of the component 120 accomplished with theactuation of one or more of the actuator/s 114. Actuation of one or moreof the actuator/s 114 may be controlled by the control unit 102 viasignaling received via the coupling 112. By way of example, the wavegenerator 106 can generate a signal at a desired frequency for use invibrating the one or more actuator/s 114 causing actuation of thecomponent 120. More specifically, when the signal of wave generator 106is received by the amplifier 108 (and amplified using power source 110),the resulting amplified signal is then input to the coupling 112 andthen received by the one or more actuator/s 114. In some embodiments,receipt of a periodic signal by the one or more actuator/s 114 willresult in actuation of the one or more actuator/s 114 causing a transferof mechanical energy into the component 120. In some embodiments, thistransfer of mechanical energy provides a displacement of a portion ofthe component in three dimensions which inhibits the formation of ice(or other debris) and/or breaks up and removes existing ice formed onthe portion of the component surface.

In accordance with some embodiments, the one or more actuator/s 114 willbe disposed on the component 120 (e.g., the leading edge of anairfoil/aircraft wing with respect to a direction of flight). Uponreceipt of signaling from the coupling 112, the one or more actuator/s114 will be actuated at a frequency determined by the wave generator106, resulting in a transfer of vibrational mechanical energy, in threedimensions (e.g., x, y and z directions), into the surface of thecomponent 120. By way of example, the one or more actuator/s 114 can bepositioned relative to the component 120 such that actuation of the oneor more actuator/s 114 will cause in-plane, out-of plate bending tooccur in the surface of the component 120 (i.e., deformations in threedimensions including transverse and longitudinal directions).

In some embodiments, the actuation of the one or more actuator/s 114 maybe used to at least partially inhibit the formation of ice on a surfaceof the component 120 (e.g., an aircraft wing) and/or for use in removingice that has already deposited on the surface of the component 120. Aswould be appreciated by one of skill in the art, ice is only one form ofdebris for which embodiments the invention may be used; however,accretions other types of debris (such as, but not limited to, dirt andoil) may also be removed and/or inhibited using some embodiments of theinvention. Additionally, as would be appreciated by one of skill in theart, some methods and applications of embodiments of the invention maybe applied to a component or surface that is not part of an aircraft.

In some embodiments, the actuation frequency of the one or moreactuator/s 114 will be controlled by the microcontroller 104 based onfeedback received from the sensor 122. That is, the control unit 102 canbe configured such that the control unit 102 is coupled to at least onesensor (such as the sensor 122 of FIG. 1) and configured to switch adriving frequency of the one or more actuator/s 114 based on signalingreceived from the sensor 122. Alternatively, in some embodiments thecontrol unit 102 may be configured to drive the one or more actuator/s114 automatically (and independent of) signaling received from thesensor 122.

By way of example, the sensor 122 may sense/detect the operational orresonant frequency along one or more location/s of the component 120.This measured resonant frequency of the component 120 may then be usedby the microcontroller 104 to tune the frequency of the signal generatedby the wave generator 106. In turn, the control unit 102 will actuatethe one or more actuator/s 114 at a frequency at, or near, theresonant/operational frequency of the component 120 (at or near theirrespective locations). The operational or resonant frequency of aposition along the component 120 may be affected by many factors,including but not limited to the mass, composition and/or thegeometry/shape of the component 120.

Additionally, in some embodiments, at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor122) will be coupled to one or more actuators (e.g., the one or moreactuator/s 114) and configured to sense an impedance of the one or moreactuator/s 114 when the actuator is being driven by the control unit102. Similarly, in some embodiments, the control unit 102 can beconfigured to drive the one or more actuator/s 114 at a predeterminedpower consumption rate such that the actuators do not exceed thepredetermined power threshold. By way of example the one or moreactuator/s 114 may be driven in such a manner so as not to exceed aspecific power to surface area ratio.

In some embodiments, actuation of the one or more actuator/s 114 at theresonant frequency of the component 120 will more effectively removeand/or prevent the formation of ice on the surface of the component 120,than would actuation at other, non-resonant, frequencies. In someembodiments, actuation of the one or more actuator/s 114 will beeffective for removing ice deposits/preventing ice formation on thecomponent 120 surface when actuated at lower frequencies, for example,between 1 Hz and 1 kHz. In some embodiments, actuation of the one ormore actuator/s 114 will be effective for removing icedeposits/preventing ice formation on the component 120 when actuated ata frequency between 10 Hz and 500 Hz. In some embodiments, actuation ofthe one or more actuator/s 114 will be effective for removing icedeposits/preventing ice formation on the component 120 when actuated atbetween 55 Hz and 235 Hz. In some embodiments, actuation of thecomponent 120 surface in the lower frequency ranges will not only reducepower consumption (relative to actuation at high frequencies) but willmore effectively displace the component 120 surface, effectivelyremoving and preventing the accretion of ice (or other debris). Thus, insome forms, lower mass or weight components can be provided relative tohigher frequency systems.

Referring next to FIG. 2, a flowchart is shown that depicts a method fordesigning a component of an aircraft for use in removing existing iceand/or inhibiting the formation of ice on the component, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention. This method will be described withoccasional reference to the de-icing system depicted by FIG. 1; however,it is to be understood that the method 200 is not limited to thedepicted system of FIG. 1, or any other system.

The method 200 begins with step 202 which entails identifying thecomponent and material. In some embodiments, identification of thecomponent and material will include identifying the surface shape and/orcomposition of the component. Identification of the component mayfurther involve identifying the shape and/or temperature of an aircraftsurface structure that is (or will be) exposed during flight of theaircraft. In some embodiments, the component will comprise the leadingedge of an aircraft component with respect to a direction of flight,e.g., the leading edge of an aircraft wing etc.

In step 204, the component is modeled and the resonant frequencies ofthe component are determined. In some embodiments, the resonantfrequencies of the component may be determined using one or moresensors, for example similar to the sensor 122 described above withrespect to FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the model of the component is usedto determine the resonant frequency of the surface of the component,which may be a function of one or more variables including, but notlimited to, the shape/geometry of the component's surface and/or thematerial composition of the component etc.

As would be appreciated by one of skill in the art, there may be severalways to model a component and/or component surface in order to determineone or more resonant frequencies. For example, in some embodiments, theapproximate resonance of a component and/or component surface may bedetermined by attaching one or more actuators to the component/componentsurface and performing a vibrational analysis (e.g., using FiniteElement Analysis) to determine one or more resonance frequencies of thecomponent and/or component surface.

In some embodiments, resonance frequencies of a component and/orcomponent surface may be determined using a sensor (e.g., the sensor 122as discussed above in the system 100 of FIG. 1) for running a constantimpedance analysis in the desired frequency zones. By way of example,sensors (such as the sensor/s 122) may be attached to the component andused to determine the impedance of the component as the frequency isoperated at between 1 Hz and 1 kHz. In some embodiments, the sensorsattached to the component and/or component surface may perform constantimpedance analysis of the component and/or component surface as the oneor more actuators are actuated at one or more frequencies of actuationbetween 10 Hz and 500 Hz. In some embodiments, the sensors attached tothe component may perform constant impedance analysis of the componentand/or component surface as the one or more actuators are actuated atone or more frequencies of actuation between 55 Hz and 235 Hz.

In some embodiments, the structural resonance of a component and/orcomponent surface may be determined using one or more actuators and/oraccelerometers and actuator resonance may be determined using animpedance measurement. However, as would be appreciated by one of skillin the art, the component resonance will change when one or moreactuators are coupled to the component surface.

In step 206, one or more actuators are attached to the component. Insome embodiments, the actuators will be attached an inner surface of thecomponent. For example, the component may comprise an inner facingportion (e.g., an airfoil like such as an aircraft wing) and theactuators may be attached to either the outer facing or inner facingsurfaces of the air foil. However, in some embodiments, the actuatorswill be attached to the inner facing surfaces at regularly spacedintervals and/or one or more actuators may be positioned within acomposite material, as will be discussed in further detail below.

Furthermore, in some embodiments the actuators will be mechanicallydisposed on a surface of the component such that actuation of theactuators will mechanically displace the component in an out-of-plane(three-dimensional) motion without causing structural damage to thecomponent. By way of example, the actuators may be disposed on thecomponent such that actuation will cause a three dimensional force to betransferred to the surface of the component.

One or more actuators (e.g., the one or more actuators 114 of FIG. 1)may be disposed on the component in essentially any arrangement,depending on embodiment. In some embodiments, a plurality of actuatorsmay be arranged on the component in a pattern extending across at leasta portion of the component's surface. As will be discussed in furtherdetail below with respect to FIG. 12, in some embodiments, a pluralityof actuators may be arranged in a plurality of zones on the component,wherein each zone corresponds to a respective region of the component'ssurface.

In step 208, the one or more determined resonant frequencies of thecomponent (as determined in step 204) are tested by actuating theactuators attached in step 206, as will be discussed in further detailwith respect to FIG. 8, below. In some embodiments, the relativeresonant frequencies of the component will vary by location on thecomponent. Thus, in some embodiments, each actuator will be actuated at(or near) the frequencies corresponding to the resonant frequencies ofthe component at that respective actuator's position on the component.

In step 210, one or more of the actuators will be actuated (driven) toremove existing ice from the component and/or to inhibit the accretionof new ice deposits on the component. In some embodiments, this is doneto verify that the device will actually work before put into operationaluse. In practice, the actuators may be actuated/driven for essentiallyany duration of time and in any pattern; however, in some embodimentsthe actuators will be actuated for a duration ranging between 0.001seconds and 10 seconds, e.g., in the interest of minimizing powerconsumption. In some embodiments, the actuators will be actuated at oneor more frequencies of actuation between 1 Hz and 1 kHz. In someembodiments, the actuators will be actuated at one or more frequenciesof actuation between 10 Hz and 500 Hz. In some embodiments, theactuators will be actuated at one or more frequencies of actuationbetween 55 Hz and 235 Hz.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting a method 300 for inhibiting and/orremoving ice from a component of an aircraft in accordance with yetanother embodiment of the invention. Although, this method will bedescribed with occasional reference to the de-icing system (e.g., thesystem 100 depicted in FIG. 1), but it should be understood that thedisclosed method is not limited to the system 100, or any other system.

The method 300 of FIG. 3 begins with determining icing conditions, asdepicted in step 302. In some embodiments, the determination of icingconditions is made with respect to the icing conditions on an outerfacing surface of the component. In some embodiments, this determinationmay be made using one or more sensors such as the sensors 122 depictedin FIG. 1. Furthermore, icing conditions may be determined using avariety of other sensors; by way of example, this determination may bebased on, but is not limited to, information received from one or moretemperature, altitude, humidity, wind speed and/or moisture sensors etc.

In step 304, one or more actuators are driven (actuated) according toparameters defining a mode of operation to remove existing ice and/or toinhibit the formation of ice on the surface of the component. Actuationof the actuator results in a displacement of the surface in threedimensions to inhibit a formation of ice on at least the portion of thesurface and/or to break up existing ice formations on at least theportion of the surface. In some embodiments, the actuators will bedriven at one or more frequencies of actuation between 1 Hz and 1 kHz.In some embodiments, the actuators will be driven at one or morefrequencies of actuation between 10 Hz and 500 Hz. In some embodiments,the actuators will be driven at one or more frequencies of actuationbetween 55 Hz and 235 Hz.

In some embodiments, the mode of operation will be controlled by acontrol unit such as the control unit 102 illustrated in the blockdiagram of FIG. 1 (above). By way of example, the control unit 102 mayreceive, from one or more sensor devices, an indication that ice hasformed on a component such as the component 120 depicted in FIG. 1.Receipt of a positive ice formation indication may originate from one ormore sensors, such as the sensor 122 depicted in FIG. 1, oralternatively, may originate from one or more sensor/s and or indicationmeans external to (and not depicted by) the system 100 of FIG. 1.

Alternatively, in some embodiments one or more sensors may be used toindicate the existence of conditions under which the likelihood of iceformations would be increased. By way of example, one or more sensor/smay detect conditions (e.g., altitude, temperature and or humidity)under which ice accretions may form. Given such an indication, one ormore of the actuator/s 114 can be actuated to at least partially inhibitor prevent ice formation. By way of example, the control unit 102 of thesystem 100 of FIG. 1 may receive an indication that ice has alreadyformed, or is likely to form, on a surface of the component 120. Basedon this indication, the control unit 102 can drive the one or moreactuators 114 via coupling 112.

In some embodiments, actuation of the actuators (e.g., the one or moreactuators 114 as depicted in FIG. 1) may occur simultaneously. In otherembodiments, the microcontroller 104 may control the actuation ofdifferent actuators such that the actuators are actuated according to apattern. For example, the microcontroller may activate the one or moreactuators 114, so that actuation occurs in stages e.g., in essentiallyany “sweeping” pattern, depending on actuator arrangement.

In some embodiments, wherein the plurality of actuators are arranged onthe component in a plurality of zones, the control unit (e.g., thecontrol unit 102 of FIG. 1) may be configured to selectively drive theplurality of actuators of each of the plurality of zones in timerelative to the others of the plurality of zones.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the frequency of the output signalgenerated by the wave generator 106 may be varied in order to cause acorresponding variation in the frequency of actuation e.g., in the oneor more actuators 114. Thus, a control unit (e.g., the control unit 102of FIG. 1) may be used to vary the speed of actuation (i.e., to controlfrequency “sweeping”) of one or more of the plurality of actuators, suchas the one or more actuators 114 of FIG. 1.

Additionally, actuation of the one or more actuators on the componentmay occur simultaneously or may be performed in phases such that someactuators are activated at different time intervals and for differentdurations of time with respect to other of the actuators. In someembodiments, actuation of individual actuators will occur in stages, soas to “sweep” the surface of the component. For example, drivingfrequencies may be adjusted based on impedance measurements from one ormore sensors, such as the sensors 122 discussed above with respect toFIG. 1. Additionally, in some embodiments the control unit (e.g., thecontrol unit 102 of FIG. 1) may drive actuation of two or more of theplurality of actuators in time, in a sequence relative to each other,such that actuation of the actuators occurs in a specific pattern.

In some embodiments, wherein the plurality of actuators are arranged byzones, actuation may be driven on a zone by zone basis. For example, thecontrol unit may be configured to selectively (and simultaneously) drivea plurality of actuators wherein the actuators are grouped intodifferent zones (corresponding to different regions on the component)such that the actuators of each of the plurality of zones are drivensequentially in time relative to the actuators of the other zones.

In some embodiments, a control unit (e.g., the control unit 102 ofFIG. 1) may be configured to control actuation of one or more of theactuators at one or more predetermined frequencies. For example, thecontrol can be configured to selectively drive one or more of theactuators at a plurality of predetermined frequencies within apredetermined time period, or may be configured to “sweep” over a rangeof frequencies. For example, a control unit (such as the control unit102 of FIG. 1) may be configured to selectively drive two or more of theplurality of actuators in time in a sequence relative to each other, thetwo or more of the plurality of actuators arranged in a patternextending from one portion of the surface in a linear sweep to anotherportion of the surface.

In optional step 306, the control unit parameters affecting actuationfrequency and actuation pattern/location may be adjusted based on one ormore sensed conditions. By way of example, one or more sensors (e.g.,the sensor 122 as depicted in FIG. 1) may send signals back to thecontrol unit related to present or changing conditions of the component.For example, driving frequencies may be adjusted based on impedancemeasurements from the sensors 122.

In some embodiments, the resonant frequencies of the component maychange as the component is acted upon by outside forces (e.g., wind,water, thermal expansion/compression, etc.). For example, the sensedconditions of the component may pertain to whether or not ice accretionsare built up on a surface of the component and actuation parameters maybe adjusted based on the amount of ice buildup or on the basis of otherfactors such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, moisture level,pressure and/or the geometric characteristics and/or shape of thecomponent, etc. In some embodiments, adjusted parameters will enable thecontrol unit to actuate one or more actuators in a manner that is moreeffective for the removal of ice, or prevention of ice formation, on thecomponent (e.g., actuation at the component's resonant frequency). Afterone or more actuators have been actuated to remove and/or inhibit theformation of ice on the component, the method proceeds to step 308.

In step 308 the removal of icing conditions is determined. The removalof icing determination may be made by one or more sensors (e.g., thesensor 122 as depicted in FIG. 1). Alternatively, in some embodiments,the determination of de-icing may be made with other sensors ordetection means not depicted in the system 100 of FIG. 1. For example,at known altitudes and temperatures, icing conditions may not be knownto occur, however icing conditions may be determined by altimeter and/ortemperature data from other parts of the aircraft. Upon, determiningthat ice has been adequately removed from the component, the method 300proceeds to step 310 wherein the driving of the one or more actuators isterminated.

FIG. 4 illustrates a component 400 comprising an inner surface 402, anouter surface 404 and a plurality of actuator strips 406. In someembodiments, one or more of the plurality of actuator strips 406 will bedisposed on the component's inner surface 402. In some embodiments, theactuator strips 406 will be comprised of a flexible material that willbe capable of substantially conforming to a curved surface, such as thecurved surface of an aircraft component. For example, in someembodiments, the actuator strips 405 may comprise a Macro FiberComposite such as part number M8557P1 made by Smart Material Corporationof Sarasota, Fla. (see alsohttp://www.smart-material.com/MFC-product-main.html, which isincorporated herein by reference).

Although FIG. 4 illustrates three (shown) actuator strips 406 atregularly spaced intervals, there may be essentially any number ofactuator strips which may be arranged on (or proximate to) thecomponent's inner surface 402 in virtually any pattern. For example,FIG. 6 illustrates a component 400 with (six shown) actuator strips 406disposed on the inner surface 402 of the component 400.

In some embodiments the actuator/s and/or actuator strip/s will bespaced in such a manner so as to provide optimal performance andreliability while still minimizing the number of actuators required.Furthermore, the spacing of one or more actuators and/or actuator stripsmay be unique to each component, depending on how the component behavesat each resonance mode.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of actuator strips willcomprise one or more actuators. As discussed above, the component 400may be composed of an isotropic or composite material; however, in someembodiments the component 400 will form an airfoil, such as the leadingedge of an aircraft component with respect to the an aircraft directionof flight (e.g., the leading edge of an aircraft wing). However inalternative embodiments, the component 400 may form essentially anyaircraft component or structure including, but not limited to: anaircraft tail, an aircraft rudder, an aircraft control surface such as aflap or an elevator, a wind turbine blade, a helicopter rotor bladeand/or a refrigeration coil cooling fin etc.

In practice, when one or more of the plurality of actuators is drivenwithin one or more of the actuator strips 406, a force will be exertedin three dimensions relative to the surface plane of the component 400.For example, when one or more of the actuator strips 406 are actuated, aforce will be imparted upon the inner surface 402 of the component 400causing a mechanical displacement in the component 400 in threedimensions (i.e., transverse and longitudinal directions).

FIG. 5 illustrates a component 400 comprising an inner surface 402. Thecomponent 400 further includes six actuator strips 504 disposed atregular intervals on the inner surface 402 of the component 400,according to some embodiments of the invention. However, in someembodiments, a greater (or lesser) number of actuators may be disposedon the outer surface of the component and may be positioned in virtuallyany pattern or arrangement. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a component400 comprising twelve actuator strips 504 disposed on an inner surface402 of the component 400.

Referring next to FIG. 8, which illustrates a graph 800 of impedance vs.frequency is shown depicting resonance points (i.e., modes) 802, 804,806 and 808 of a component, over varying frequencies (x-axis). Theimpedance is in units of decibel Volts (dBV). An input signal 810applied to the component is shown and the resulting impedance outputsignal 812 is displayed. The peaks of the output signal 812 are thepoints of lowest relative impedance such that each peak corresponds to aresonant frequency of the component. By way of example, the outputsignal 812 illustrates that the component has a first resonance point802 at a frequency of about 78 Hz; a second resonance point 804 at afrequency of about 201 Hz; a third resonance point 806 at a frequency ofabout 207 Hz; and a fourth resonance point 808 at a frequency of about235 Hz.

In practice, once the resonant frequencies have been determined, one ormore actuators may then be driven at, or near, a determined resonancefrequency of the component in order to cause maximal in-plane,out-of-plane bending/deformation, resulting in at least the partialremoval of ice accretions and/or at least partially inhibiting theformation of new ice on the surface of the component.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional side-perspective view of acomponent 400 together with actuator strips 504 disposed on the innersurface of the component 400. As discussed above, when the one or moreof the actuator strips 504 are driven (actuated), a three dimensionalbending/deformation will result in the surface of the component 400. Insome embodiments each strip could contain only a single actuatorelement; however, in some embodiments, each of the actuator strips willcontain a plurality of actuators. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates asingle actuator strip 1000 connected to a driving power source 1002 anda plurality of (fourteen total) actuators 114.

Although the plurality of actuators 114 depicted in FIG. 10 totalsfourteen, a greater or lesser number of actuators may be disposed in asingle actuator strip. As illustrated, the plurality of actuators 114are connected, in parallel, to the power source 1002.

In practice, each actuator element of the plurality of actuators 114 maybe modeled as an RC circuit; thus, in some embodiments of the inventionthe plurality of actuators may be modeled as a capacitive element.

FIG. 11 illustrates a graph 1100 of the power consumption in watts(y-axis) of one or more actuator elements with respect to frequency(x-axis). For example, the graph 1100 depicts the power consumption withrespect to frequency of a single actuator element driven at 1.5 kV 1102;a single actuator element driven at 4 kV 1104; four actuator elementsdriven simultaneously at 1.5 kV 1106; four actuator elements drivensimultaneously at 4 kV 1108; six actuator elements driven simultaneouslyat 1.5 kV 1110; and six actuator elements driven simultaneously at 4 kV1112. The power consumption at a given frequency (illustrated in thelines of FIG. 11) can be appreciated by those of skill in the art,through the relationship between a sine wave input and the impedance (Z)of a component according to Equation (1):

$Z = {\frac{1}{2\pi\; f}{\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n}\; C_{i}}}$where Z=impedance (ohms) of the component, f=frequency (Hz) andC=capacitance of the actuator (farads). Furthermore, as would beappreciated by those of skill in the art, the peak power (Ppk) of acomponent can then be calculated using Equation (2):

$P_{p\; k} = \frac{V^{2}}{Z}$where P_(pk)=peak power (watts); Z=the impedance calculated in Equation1 (ohms) and V=the maximum positive voltage (volts). Finally, the RMSpower can be calculated using Equation (3):

$P_{rms} = {\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}P_{p\; k}}$where P_(rms)=power (watts) and P_(pk)=peak power from Equation 2(watts). In some embodiments, the voltage of the input signal is knownand the impedance is measured, such that the peak and rms power can becalculated using Equations (2) and (3). The power illustrated in FIG. 11is the rms power, P_(rms).

Although one or more actuator elements may be driven in essentially anypattern in a wide ange of frequencies, in some embodiments actuatorswill be driven in a manner that most effectively removes and/or inhibitsice accretion while also minimizing the number of actuators required andthe amount of power consumed consumption. In some embodiments, actuationof one or more actuator/s (e.g., the actuators 114 of FIG. 1, above)will be effective for removing ice deposits/preventing ice formation ona component surface when actuated at one or more frequencies, forexample, between 1 Hz and 1 kHz. In some embodiments, actuation of theone or more actuator/s 114 will be effective for removing icedeposits/preventing ice formation on the component 120 when actuated atone or more frequencies between 10 Hz and 500 Hz. In some embodiments,actuation of the one or more actuator/s 114 will be effective forremoving ice deposits/preventing ice formation on the component 120 whenactuated at one or more frequencies between 55 Hz and 2435 Hz.

Referring next to FIG. 12, which illustrates a component surface 1200,an airfoil center line 1205, a plurality of individual actuators 114arranged in a total of six zones 1220, 1230, 1240, 1250, 1260 and 1270.Although FIG. 12 illustrates the division of the individual actuators114 into six zones (1220, 1230, 1240, 1250, 1260 and 1270), one of skillin the art would appreciate that one or more zones may be arranged toinclude any (or all of) the individual actuators 114 and that the zonesmay be arranged in essentially any pattern or design on the componentsurface 1200. For example, the individual actuators 114 could beseparated into different zones with respect to the airfoil center line1205. Additionally, one or more zones may be arranged to include two ormore of the individual actuators 114, irrespective of whether or not thetwo or more actuators are adjacently located on the component surface1200.

In practice, a control unit (not shown) can be configured to driveactuation of the actuators of any particular zone at a specific timeand/or over a constant or varying frequency range. For example, acontrol unit (e.g., the control unit 102 as depicted in FIG. 1) may beconfigured to selectively drive each actuator for a time period ofbetween about 0.001 seconds to 10 seconds. In another example, thecontrol unit may be configured to selectively drive each actuator for atime period corresponding to between about 1 to 10 periods of asinusoidal, triangle, square, and pulse wave of a driving frequency.

By way of further example, a control unit (e.g., the control unit 102 asdepicted in FIG. 1) may drive zone activation such that the actuatorsare driven in a “sweeping” motion from left to right across thecomponent surface 1200. For example, the control unit 102 may drive theindividual actuators 114 of zone 1220, and then successively drive theindividual actuators 114 of remaining zones 1230, 1240, 1250, 1260 and1270. In some embodiments, actuation of the individual actuators 114associated with a particular zone may overlap in time with actuation ofthe individual actuators 114 of a different zone. In some embodiments,the actuation of the individual actuators 114 of a particular zone willnot overlap in time with the actuation of the individual actuators 114of another zone.

In some embodiments, actuation of individual zones may occur in apattern that skips one or more adjacent zones. For example the controlunit 102 may successively drive the individual actuators 114 of zones1220, 1240, 1260 and then successively drive the individual actuators114 of remaining zones 1230, 1250, 1260 and 1270. By way of anotherexample, the control unit 102 may successively drive the individualactuators 114 of zones 1240, 1230 and 1220 while simultaneously andsuccessively driving the individual actuators 114 of zones 1250, 1260and 1270. As such, the control unit may be configured to selectivelydrive at least two adjacent actuators of the plurality of actuators atsequential times. Alternatively the control unit may be configured tosequentially drive at least two non-adjacent ones of the plurality ofactuators at sequential times.

In some embodiments, the control unit 102 will be configured to drivethe actuation of the individual actuators 114 associated with differentzones at an essentially constant frequency. By way of example, thecontrol unit may be configured to drive each zone at one or morefrequencies corresponding to one or more determined resonancefrequencies of a proximately located component.

In some embodiments, the control unit may be configured to drivedifferent zones at different frequencies or to drive actuation over arange of frequencies with respect to a unit of time. By way of furtherexample, a control unit may be configured to drive the individualactuators 114 of zones 1220, 1230 and 1240 at a first frequencycorresponding to a first mode/resonance frequency of the component,wherein the individual actuators 114 associated with the zones 1250,1260 and 1270 will be driven at a second mode/resonance frequency of thecomponent.

One of skill in the art should appreciate that zone activation may occurin virtually any pattern with virtually any combination of activationdurations. However, in some embodiments the zone boundaries, zoneactivation sequence (and duration) and zone actuation frequencyvariation will be controlled in such a manner so as to effectivelyremove and/or inhibit the formation of ice on the component surfacewhile minimizing power consumption and total actuator count. As would beappreciated by one of skill in the art, generally less power will beconsumed when actuating one or more actuators at lower frequencies, asopposed to actuating the same actuators at high frequencies (e.g.,ultrasonic frequencies). Furthermore, as would also be appreciated bythose of skill in the art, actuation of one or more actuators at (ornear) the resonant frequencies of a component surface will inducegreater displacement in the component surface, per unit of power,relative to actuation at non-resonant frequencies of the componentsurface. Additionally, as would be further appreciated by one of skillin the art, in some embodiments, driving actuation of one or more zonessuccessively in time will consume less power than driving actuation ofall actuators simultaneously; thus, the ability to control actuation byzone will yield greater control over the power output that need beexpended, and will potentially reduce the size of the power supplynecessary to carry out some embodiments since less power will berequired at any given point in time.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method for inhibiting and/orremoving ice from a component of an aircraft in accordance with otherembodiments of the invention. The method 1300 begins with determiningicing conditions, as depicted in step 302. In some embodiments, thedetermination of icing conditions is made with respect to the icingconditions on an outer facing surface of the component. In someembodiments, this determination may be made using one or more sensorssuch as the sensors 122 depicted in FIG. 1. Furthermore, icingconditions may be determined using a variety of other sensors; by way ofexample, this determination may be based on, but is not limited to,information received from one or more temperature, altitude, humidity,wind speed and/or moisture sensors etc. In some embodiments, the icingconditions of a surface of the component may be based, at least in part,on a measured impedance of a surface of the component.

Steps 1320, 1330, 1340 and 1350 provide embodiments of example methodsof driving actuators; for example, they provide examples of step 304 ofFIG. 3.

The method 1300 proceeds to optional step 1320 which involves drivingone or more of a plurality of actuators at a constant resonantfrequency. As would be understood by one of skill in the art, acomponent may have multiple modes/resonant frequencies. In someembodiments, one or more of a plurality of actuators will be driven atthe same frequency corresponding to the same mode/resonance frequency ofa component. In some embodiments one or more of a plurality of actuatorswill be driven at different frequencies wherein each actuation frequencycorresponds to a different mode (yet a resonance frequency) of thecomponent. Additionally, one or more of a plurality of actuators may bedriven at a resonant frequency wherein the resonant frequencycorresponds to a resonant frequency of the component proximate to thatrespective actuator. Alternatively, in some embodiments of theinvention, one or more of a plurality of actuators may be driven at anon-resonant frequency or near a resonant frequency.

In optional step 1330, one or more of a plurality of actuators will bedriven while sweeping across a dimension of the surface (e.g., a surfaceof the component). As discussed above with respect to FIG. 12, aplurality of actuators may be driven at either different or overlappingtimes in a “sweeping” manner, across one or more surfaces or components.

In optional step 1340, one or more of a plurality of actuators will bedriven while sweeping the driving frequencies of at least one actuator.In some embodiments, the actuation frequency of an actuator, or aplurality of actuators, may be required in response to changingresonance conditions of the component. For example, a component, such asan aircraft wing surface, may be subject to changing environmentalconditions during flight. As would be appreciated by one of skill in theart, the resonance properties of the component (aircraft wing) may varydue to factors such as temperature, altitude, moisture and the affect ofice accretions etc. In response to changing resonance conditions, insome embodiments it may be advantageous to vary (sweep) the drivingfrequency of one (or more) actuators to correspond to a new or changingresonance frequency of the component. Additionally, in some embodiments,due to power consumption factors, it may be advantageous to change thedriving frequency of one or more actuators to either reduce (orincrease) net power consumption.

In optional step 1350, a plurality of actuators are driven on azone-by-zone basis. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 12, eachactuation device may be included into essentially any group of actuationdevices (i.e., included in any zone). In some embodiments, due to powerconsumption (or other concerns), it may be advantageous to activatezones by location rather than activating all actuation devicessimultaneously. As would be appreciated by one of skill in the art, zoneactuation may occur in essentially any pattern in any timing scheme andwith any duration. However, in some embodiments, zone activation willoccur so as to achieve balance between efficiently removing and/orinhibiting ice accretions on a component while minimizing powerconsumption.

In optional step 1360, a determination/sensing of icing conditions ismade. In some embodiments, this determination will be made with respectto the icing conditions on an outer facing surface of a component. Insome embodiments, this determination may be made using one or moresensors such as the sensors 122 depicted in FIG. 1. Furthermore, icingconditions may be determined using a variety of other sensors; by way ofexample, this determination may be based on, but is not limited to,information received from one or more temperature, altitude, humidity,wind speed, impedance and/or moisture sensors etc. In some embodiments,the icing conditions of a surface of the component may be based, atleast in part, on a measured impedance of a surface of the component.Based on the determined conditions, the driving mode and/or drivingfrequency of one or more actuators and/or actuation zones may beadjusted. By way of example, driving mode/frequency may be adjusted intoany of the modes described in steps 1320, 1330, 1340 or 1350 describedabove.

In step 308, a determination will be made regarding the removal of icingconditions. This determination may pertain to the removal of prioraccreted ice, or may be made with respect to the likelihood of new iceformations, for example based on one or more factors, including but notlimited to: temperature, altitude, humidity, wind speed, impedanceand/or moisture etc. In some embodiments, once a removal of ice from thecomponent is verified, the method 1300 will proceed to step 310 whereinthe driving of the one or more of the plurality of actuators isterminated.

The described features, structures, or characteristics of the inventionmay be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Oneskilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can bepracticed without one or more of the specific details, or with othermethods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. Assuch, the following descriptions are not to be taken in a limitingsense, but are made merely for the purpose of describing the generalprinciples and exemplary embodiments of the instant invention. The scopeof the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for an aircraft comprising: a componentof the aircraft having a surface, the surface comprising an outer facingportion and an inner facing portion; a plurality of actuators eachpositioned proximate to and coupled to the inner facing portion of thesurface, wherein each of the plurality of actuators comprises a macrofiber composite (MFC) solid-state electric actuator; and a control unitcoupled to the plurality of actuators, the control unit configured todrive one or more of the plurality of actuators at one or morefrequencies; wherein the plurality of actuators are each configured tointroduce a displacement of the surface in three dimensions to performone or both of inhibiting a formation of ice on at least the portion ofthe surface and breaking up existing ice formations on at least theportion of the surface; wherein the plurality of actuators are flexibleand substantially conform to a curvature of the surface.
 2. The systemof claim 1 wherein the control unit comprises: a microcontroller; and atleast one amplifier coupled to the microcontroller and the plurality ofactuators.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the control unit isconfigured to have a weight to power output ratio that is less than0.0125 lbs per watt.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the componentcomprises a wing of the aircraft and the surface comprises an edgesurface of the wing that first contacts air during flight.
 5. The systemof claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to drive the one ormore of the plurality of actuators at one or more frequencies between1Hz and 1kHz.
 6. The system of claim 5 wherein the control unit isconfigured to drive the one or more of the plurality of actuators at oneor more frequencies between 55 Hz and 235 Hz.
 7. The system of claim 1wherein the one or more frequencies are one or more predeterminedfrequencies substantially corresponding to one or more resonantfrequencies of the surface, the resonant frequencies at least a functionof a geometry of the surface.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein thecontrol unit is configured to provide power and the one or more of theplurality of actuators are configured to use the power at no more than0.1 watts per square centimeter.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein theplurality of actuators are embedded within a composite leading edge ofthe component with respect to a direction of movement of the component.10. The system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of actuators are eachpositioned proximate to the portion of the surface in an evenly spacedmanner.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the component comprises atleast a portion of at least one of the following: an aircraft wing, anaircraft tail, an air foil, an aircraft rudder, an aircraft controlsurface such as a flap or an elevator, a wind turbine blade, an engineintake surface, a helicopter rotor blade, and a refrigeration coilcooling fin.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein the surface of thecomponent comprises at least one of: an alloy, a composite material,graphite, a polymer, a thermoplastic or fiberglass.
 13. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the control unit is configured to selectively drive twoor more of the plurality of actuators in time in a sequence relative toeach other, the two or more of the plurality of actuators arranged in apattern extending across at least a portion of the surface.
 14. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the control unit is configured to selectivelydrive two or more of the plurality of actuators in time in a sequencerelative to each other, the two or more of the plurality of actuatorsarranged in a pattern extending from one portion of the surface in alinear sweep to another portion of the surface.
 15. The system of claim1 wherein the plurality of actuators are arranged in a plurality ofzones each zone corresponding to a respective region of the surface,wherein the control unit is configured to selectively drive theplurality of actuators of each of the plurality of zones in timerelative to others of the plurality of zones.
 16. The system of claim 15wherein the control unit is configured to drive the plurality ofactuators of at least two zones at different frequencies.
 17. The systemof claim 1 wherein the control unit is configured to drive the one ormore of the plurality of actuators at the one or more constantfrequencies.
 18. The system of claim 1 wherein the control unit isconfigured to selectively drive the one or more of the plurality ofactuators at a plurality of predetermined frequencies within apredetermined time period.
 19. The system of claim 18 further comprisingat least one sensor coupled to the one or more of the plurality ofactuators, the at least one sensor configured to sense an impedance ofthe one or more of the plurality of actuators when being driven by thecontrol unit.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein the control unit iscoupled to the at least one sensor and is configured to switch a drivingfrequency of the one or more of the plurality of actuators based onsignaling received from the at least one sensor.
 21. The system of claim1 wherein the plurality of actuators are each configured to introducethe displacement of the surface in the three dimensions includingtransverse and longitudinal directions.
 22. The system of claim 1wherein the control unit is configured to automatically drive the one ormore of the plurality of actuators.
 23. The system of claim 1, whereineach solid-state electric actuator comprises a piezo-kinetic actuator.24. The system of claim 1, wherein each solid-state electric actuatorcomprises a piezoelectric material.
 25. The system of claim 1, whereinthe plurality of actuators each comprising a flexible sheetsubstantially conforming to the curvature of the surface.
 26. The systemof claim 1, wherein the plurality of actuators substantially conform toand attach to the curvature of the surface.
 27. The system of claim 1,wherein the plurality of actuators each comprise a plurality of ceramicrods between layers of adhesive, electrodes and film.
 28. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of actuators are each configured tointroduce the displacement of the surface in three dimensions to contacta solid layer interface of the existing ice formations contacting theportion of the surface.
 29. The system of claim 1, wherein the pluralityof actuators are each configured to introduce the displacement of thesurface in three dimensions to perform one or both of inhibiting theformation of ice on the at least the portion of the surface and breakingup the existing ice formations on the at least the portion of thesurface without active heating of the portion of the surface.
 30. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of actuators isconfigured to introduce the displacement of the surface and is coupledto a sensor that monitors an impedance of the actuator.
 31. The systemof claim 1, further comprising a sensor coupled to one of the pluralityof actuators, the sensor configured to sense an impedance of the one ofthe plurality of actuators when being driven by the control unit inorder to detect icing conditions.
 32. The system of claim 1 wherein thecontrol unit is configured to drive the one or more of the plurality ofactuators at one or more frequencies including one or more frequenciesat or near one or more resonant frequencies of the portion of thesurface.
 33. The system of claim l, wherein the control unit isconfigured to drive one or more of the plurality of actuators at the oneor more frequencies and including one of a resonant frequency of theportion of the surface in which ice has not formed thereon and aresonant frequency of the portion of the surface having ice formedthereon.
 34. A method for use with an aircraft comprising: driving aplurality of actuators each positioned proximate to and coupled to aninner facing portion of a surface of a component of the aircraft, thesurface further comprising an outer facing portion, wherein each of theplurality of actuators comprises a macro fiber composite (MFC)solid-state electric actuator; and driving one or more of the pluralityof actuators at one or more frequencies such that each of the pluralityof actuators introduce a displacement of the surface in three dimensionsto perform one or both of inhibiting a formation of ice on at least theportion of the surface and breaking up existing formations of the ice onat least the portion of the surface; wherein the plurality of actuatorsare flexible and substantially conform to a curvature of the surface.35. The method of claim 34, wherein the plurality of actuators eachcomprise a plurality of ceramic rods between layers of adhesive,electrodes and film.